Bad Battery Indication

Course Questions Drone Building
1

It seems that my micro-PiHawk Drone has died. Mission Planner indicates PreArm Battery Unhealthy. I checked the cable between the FC and ESC and the VBAT at the ESC (~ 11V). I replaced the battery, thinking it might be the internal resistance of the old battery (I have flown a lot in the last couple years). Same result.

Next I set the Battery Minimums to zero in Mission Planner. I was able to Force Arm. Props spun for 10 Seconds (Timeout value of 10). Then the props stopped and Mission Planner indicated ‘Bad Battery’.

I have been research replacement stacks (FC/ESC), as it seems that the Matec F405 HDTE is EOL. I landed on the SpeedyBee F405 V4)) and would be interested in any recommendations. I want to use the existing sensors/radio (GPS, Fsky receiver, 915MHz telemetry module etc.).

Thanks!

2

Seems odd that it would work, then die. Maybe the unit is dirty? Did you try blowing it off with air? Did you deconstruct it and examine with a magnifier or poke around with a VOM?

The following blog, albeit possibly dated, was a predecessor to the kit. Perhaps it might help?

https://dojofordrones.com/pi-zero-drone/

3

Thanks for your response!

Yes, I found it odd too. I did deconstruct it and checked continuity. All connections good. VBAT is 11.3V at the FC. Mission Planner continues to indicate ~5.6V (Sometimes 3.3V) with new battery.

My PiHawk drone and Rover bother work just fine. I even swapped telemetry radios as a longshot. same result.

I will check out the blog and let you know where I land (no pun intended)!

Thanks again!